Avi
King's Rock, Elleria
October 29th
Year 18 4AOS
Trumpets blared in the early morning as Avi's carriage rolled through the streets of King's Rock. Grateful people flocked to the road she traveled. They tossed flowers before the carriage, threw rice, and even gold coins.
Two unicorns in white-gold armor pulled the carriage, awing many who laid eyes upon it. Above, Constantine flew on the back of Tartarus to protect her and intimidate anyone foolish enough to try and hurt her. Aldara and Tordo were hanging on for dear life with him on the back of the beast.
Yami sat next to her. The sight brought more hope to the people. Two great heroes had now come to save their kingdom from King Forrest and the Church.
Ser Gerhalos walked beside the carriage, keeping a quick pace. The new armor Prince Michael gave him back in Eredas made him look like a warrior from the Age of Champions. The gold carvings and trim of the brilliant white armor made his fur look like gold thread. His new sword shimmered beautifully on his back. The cloth-of-gold cape, which glittered like stars, flapped elegantly behind him.
Avi looked up at Constantine. She whistled with her fingers. That was the signal for him to bless the people. Constantine opened many brown sacks filled with gold and other treasures from the temple where she found White-Horned Dragon.
He scooped up a handful of gold coins and Star Chips and threw them into the streets below. The poor folk grabbed as many as they could, claiming that Avi's coming was nothing short of a miracle. Constantine looked back at Aldara and Tordo, both looking like they were about to commit a murder.
"Let's go, guys," he said. "You must repent for committing a sin against a Termnnia Goddess."
Tordo whined, grabbing handfuls of gold coins. There was a handsome diamond in the pile he collected. He wanted to pocket it, but Constantine made it seem like he had eyes on the back of his head.
"All of it!" he commanded as if he knew what Tordo had in his hands.
Not wanting to anger a Termnnian hero, Tordo did as he was told. He tossed it over his shoulder. Aldara did, too. She saw people blowing kisses at her. Children were crying tears of joy as they had so much treasure they could throw it up in the air, splashing it around like it was water.
She smiled. A warm, happy, feeling filled her belly when she realized she had done a good deed. The wind blowing through her air suddenly smelled sweet and was warm to the touch. Generosity. All her life, she had to rely on the generosity of others to eek her way through a day.
But now, surrounded by the likes of Yugi Muto and the Summoner of Dragons, she had so many blessings she could share them with everyone. Because of what she had done, those children down below could have something to eat this night. As did many other people.
The platinum bells of the White Bay Towers rang as Avi's caravan approached the walls that surrounded Castle Alteria. They stopped in the courtyard before the steps of the castle. King Helmsley, his wife Queen Sera, and their daughter Princess Evelyn and their family friend Princess Alexis Rhodes stood at the top of the stairs. Ser Dancer and Ser Kevin stood behind them, clad in their best ebony armor. Evelyn's friends watched from one of the balconies overlooking the courtyard.
"She's beautiful," Queen Sera whispered to Helmsley as Ser Gerhalos held out his hand and helped Avi out of the carriage.
"Look how delicate she is," said King Helmsley. "Could that girl really have the power to summon True Dragons?"
"She does," said Evelyn. "Word of her has spread far and wide. Master Yugi is with her. Her powers must be real."
"I can't wait to see what she can do," said Alexis. "She's amazing. Like she walked out of a dream."
Avi and Yami walked up the bright limestone steps arm in arm. Ser Gerhalos marched behind them. Constantine and Tartarus landed in the courtyard. From where she stood, Evelyn saw Tordo jump off the dragon's back and kiss the ground.
"King Helmsley!" Yami announced. "Allow me to present to you Lady Avellan Lofnmagni Ethelfleda of Dragon's Tooth. The Summoner of Dragons."
King Helmsley clapped his hands. He looked around at his subjects, signaling them to clap, too, and they all followed. Queen Sera walked down and took Avi by the hand.
"Welcome to Elleria, My Lady. Welcome." She kissed Avi's hand. "Summoner. Allow me to introduce my daughter, Princess Evelyn Ethelburga Alteria."
Evelyn curtsied and walked towards her, carrying a bouquet of flowers. "Thank you so much for coming," Evelyn said, handing Avi the flowers. "Thank you." She kissed Avi's cheeks. Avi kissed them back.
"Of course, Your Highness. My pleasure."
"Oh," Evelyn said. "This is my best friend. Princess Alexis Rhodes of Lorin."
"Summoner," Alexis said, hugging Avi and kissing her. "Blair? Is that you?"
"Yeah, yeah. Nice seeing you again, Princess."
Alexis giggled. "Glad to see you haven't changed. Welcome to Elleria. I trust your journey was a comfortable one."
"Uh...not quite," Avi laughed.
"Come, come!" said King Helmsley. "Avi, we have prepared a grand feast for you. Ser Dancer will show you to your room and will be delighted to assist you no matter how big or small your problem may be."
Ser Dancer approached her. "I am very happy to meet you," he said softly. He took her hand and kissed it. When he felt how soft her hands were, he felt like he could kiss them forever. And she smelled so sweet.
"With all due respect, my liege," said Ser Gerhalos. "I am the only knight Lady Avi needs."
Yami laughed. "Ser Gerhalos, there's no need to feel threatened."
"No, indeed," Avi said with a laugh. "No one will replace you."
"We'll follow you to your room then," Alexis suggested. "If you want, of course."
Avi bowed. "Thank you, Princess, I think I would enjoy the company very much."
Ser Dancer, Ser Gerhalos, and Ser Kevin went down to the carriage to collect Avi's things, while Yami left with King Helmsley to discuss a few things. Meanwhile, Trish, Phoenix, and Aldara hurried into the castle to catch up with Avi. There was great excitement outside. Many wanted to see Avi for a little while longer. She waved at the crowd one last time and went inside, disappearing into the dark of the castle and out of their sight.
"I heard about your brother, Princess Evelyn," Avi said after a brief silence. Her voice echoed in the vastness of the castle. "You have my condolences."
"Thank you, Lady Avi," said Evelyn, blinking rapidly to keep her eyes from tearing up. "Thanks to you, I know he'll find peace. I heard your dragons are massive. How big are they?"
"As big as this castle!" Santiago said, running up to them. "Un momento!" he cried. "Un momento, mi dama!"
"Oh my!" Evelyn squealed. "A Meowri! I thought they were wiped out by the Church."
"Maybe in these parts," Santiago said, fixing his belt and hat. "But so long as I draw breath, the Meowri will live on."
Evelyn went down to her knees. She held out her hand. "It's so good to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine," Santiago said, taking off his hat as he bowed. He kissed her hand repeatedly. His whiskers tickling Evelyn's skin.
"Oh, he's so adorable!" Evelyn squealed picking him up and smothering him against her chest. "Want to keep him."
"Oooh, I'm a good kitty," swooned Santiago, his face buried deep in her bosom.
Alexis cringed. "Ugh. That's not something you see every day. Careful, Evelyn. You know how cats are when they get close to milk."
"Oh, gracious!" Avi groaned, feeling shocked at the vulgar joke Alexis made. She did not expect such crudeness from a Princess. Evelyn laughed and continued to lead her guests to their rooms. Alexis followed. Soon they all started to laugh.
"Having a good time, Dove?" Fira said, approaching with Trish and Phoenix. "You're certainly getting well acquainted with everyone."
Santiago was drunk with lust as he saw the trio of red-haired angels. "I must have been born under a lucky star to have been blessed with so much beauty."
"Don't get too comfortable, cat," said Trish. "You need to help out the guys with the luggage."
"Do I have to?" asked Santiago.
"Just keep the gold safe, Santiago," Avi said, scratching his head. "We'll meet you tonight at dinner. Right now, I need a bath and back massage."
She was looking forward to dinner with the King and Queen that night. But upon learning that King Helmsley wanted to speak to Avi about staying at the castle on a more permanent basis, she started growing concerns. It meant she had to use her dragons to kill people. To destroy. That was not what she wanted. In the few weeks living in the temple in Bluesummer, Avi learned that the True Dragons purpose was to help create the world with their limitless power and magic. And to safeguard its people and all the living things from the corruption of Zorc.
To use them as a means of waging war like some sort of weapon bothered her awfully. It offended her. She would not hear of it.
That was until earlier during the day. After Avi had her bath, she followed Evelyn and Alexis to the dining hall. Suddenly, the doors of the castle burst open. A squadron of Ebony Knights stormed in, carrying farmers from a village many miles from the capital. One of them was a little boy who had his leg cut off. His fingers were missing. Whoever attacked him took great pleasure in torturing him.
Ezra and Phoenix, being exquisite healers in the art of White Magic, tended to the wounded. King Helmsley and Yami came running down to see what was the commotion.
"They had no warning," Phoenix said, doing her best to cure the little boy of his fever. "Their village was just attacked for no reason."
"Which one was it?" Ser Dancer asked.
"We..." coughed a farmer who took a war hammer to the head. "We...we hail from Willow...Willow Court."
"Shh," said Ezra, giving him a spoonful of a pain-relieving elixir. "Rest now. Don't talk."
"Willow Court," said Alexis. "That's not far from here."
"It is right at your doorstep," Yami said. "Now that King Forrest holds the Emerald Marches, his mercenaries run rampant."
"And they burn villages as they go, My Lord," said a woman, wrapped in bandages. "Before they attacked us, we got word from a rider that they attacked the towns of Chrichton and Fullard."
Constantine balled his fists. "Not for long they're not. Your Majesty. With your permission, I would like to take my dragon Tartarus to the countryside. We'll stop those savage mercenaries."
"Go at once!" said the King. "Another dragon rider named Ser Damien has arrived as well. I'm sure both of you will inflict serious damage to them."
"Ser Damien is here, too!" gasped little Tordo, hiding behind Aldara's legs. They both overlooked the commotion from the balcony overlooking the atrium.
Constantine ran out of the castle. Avi sobbed and buried her face in her hands.
At dinner, hardly anyone felt like eating, save for Tordo and Santiago, who were both gobbling up their food as if their stomachs were black holes. Avi, meanwhile, hardly touched her soup. Ser Gerhalos looked down at her and placed his massive hand over hers. He said to her: "This is but a taste of the horrors King Forrest inflicts on these people, My Lady. You must reconsider your decision. You must use your dragons and fight!" He raised his fist.
"But I..."
"Dove," said Fira, holding up her spoon. "This is not up for discussion. You knew what your task was when you came here. King Helmsley, in good faith, offered to lend you a map to the destination of another temple, so long as you can help him get Forrest out of Elleria."
"But I was hoping that with Master Yugi here we could..."
"Out of the question," Yami said, holding up his hand. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and set it on his lap. "King Forrest is allied with the Church of Yeyu. They HATE Duel Monsters and magic, Avi, you know this. To play against Forrest with the Dueling Pact is not an option for us. Believe me, if it was, we wouldn't be here right now. I want to Duel to resolve our dispute. But some people are just too far gone to want to settle their matters peacefully."
As much as Avi wanted to argue against the King of Games, she could not find the courage to do so. However, it was not him she feared she would let down.
Avi became good friends with Princess Evelyn. To learn how troubled she was throughout this horrible war broke her heart. The horrible burdens her mother and father placed on her shoulders. The loss of her brother. He did not die quickly. He suffered for months as a prisoner to King Forrest before he was beheaded. And learning the foul King sent Evelyn his genitals as a birthday present made her sick.
Avi looked at her from the other side of the table. Evelyn was quiet the whole time. Her eyes locked on Avi, whom she deemed her last hope to keep the kingdom secure. Alexis said that seeing Avi come into the capital the way she did made Evelyn smile and laugh for the first time in many moons.
"Does something trouble you?" Arvas asked from within the pendant.
"I can't use you like this," Avi said in her mind. "You...you and your kind were put in this world to help people. Not kill them. King Forrest has his greed, but those men under his command are just soldiers doing his bidding. I'm sure if he did not wish it, they would gladly be back in their homes with their family and friends."
"There's not much one can do in times like this," said Arvas. "I know it's hard for you, Avi. But sometimes you must commit evil for an even greater good. And the good that will come when you go against King Forrest is saving the Kingdom of Elleria. Too long have these people suffered from his malice. Families have been broken. People have been murdered or starved. They don't want the Ellerians to live. Many of the soldiers who storm here rape and pillage and kill needlessly."
"There must be another way," Avi said aloud.
"There isn't any," the King said, raising his voice. "You were asked to come here by Master Yugi and myself. Do this not for us, Avi, but for our kingdom. Our people need you. We do not wish to be persecuted and forced to follow an ideology that has no place in this world. You know what the duties of a Royal Summoner are, don't you?"
Avi did not answer. She merely looked at the King sorrowfully.
"To protect the High King and his people from any threat. By any means necessary," he said.
"But the slaughtering of hundreds?"
Fira slammed her mug on the table. "For goodness sakes, Dove! Shut up and do your duty!"
"Don't yell at her!" Alexis protested. "She's scared."
"Well, this is no time to be scared," said Fira. "Avi. What did you expect to do with your dragons? You tell me? Parade around and look pretty with them? Is that what you hoped was going to happen?"
"I thought waking the dragons was going to bring people hope."
"And it does," Constantine said, slurping his soup loudly. "But, Avi, tell me why? Why do you think dragons bring people hope? Their awesome beauty? Their wisdom? No. It's their power. Their destructive power is what brings the people hope. Everyone knows True Dragons are the most powerful creatures to have ever lived in Termnnia. Just one of the monsters you wield has enough power to wipe out an army. And you have five of them now. You are the key to ending this war with King Forrest, Avi. His armies would not dare go against us with you around. You must make an example of him."
"Here, here!" said Ser Gerhalos. "Now is not the time for you to show mercy to your enemies, Avi. Especially an enemy who shows none to us. Burn them to cinders."
Avi sighed in defeat. "If that is what I must do...so be it."
King Forrest
The following morning, King Forrest and his army of 20,000 men marched across their new Hold toward the Ellerian border, where they would annihilate the Ellerian army and move southward toward the capital and ransack it. The soldiers were so confident of this that they were cheering and roaring loudly, bashing their drums and blowing their horns, calling out the Ellerians, daring them to come out and face them. The sky was so cloudy that the world around them looked bluish-gray in color.
King Forrest's Red Priest rode behind him, muttering holy verses from the White-Gold Tome of the Church of Yeyu. King Forrest knew that with his diety on his side, he would be invincible. And how could he not feel this way? For months, he had weakened Termnnia with his forces. The Seven Princes of Yugi's Alliance were getting tired and thinned out. And the armies were getting weaker, thanks to the civil war brewing in Emboldor caused by Prince Hector, who declared himself Lord Paramount of the Emboldorian Coasts.
"I will deal with him later," King Forrest declared.
"Of course you will," said Donald, his beak-like nose was dripping in mucus, for he caught a horrible spring cold in the rains last night.
But he wanted to see his King's victory against the Ellerians. Long has King Forrest pushed and pushed against them. Now, Prince Talion was gone. The Emerald Marches and all its resources were his. And now, King's Rock was ripe for the taking. This he was most excited for. King Forrest said Donald could use Castle Alteria as his own personal home. For once he conquered Eredas from House Daltons, he would rule his new kingdom from the House of Gray.
They reached a mighty hill where an Arvan champion fought against a mighty warrior in the Angel Wars of the Second Age. They expected to see the army in front of them, but there was none to be found. There was no one. Except for two figures standing on a rock.
"What is this?" King Forrest said. "Where is the army? I wanted a battle today."
Donald looked through his telescope. "I recognize the first person. That horrible hair. That's Yugi Muto alright. Good. I was hoping to add his Millennium Puzzle to my collection of magical artifacts. As for the other figure..."
He tossed the telescope at Forrest. Forrest looked through it and grinned. He whistled at what he saw. "That girl. Who is she?"
"Be careful, my liege," said the Red Priest. "I have heard rumors of a girl who can summon True Dragons. It's her! Avellana. It has to be her."
Ser Dancer, Ser Kevin, Ezra, Phoenix, Trish, Blair, Fira and Aldara marched from behind Yami and Avi. Then, 1000 Ebony Knights followed, holding up their banners. A horn blew from behind their ranks. The Naralians laughed at their small numbers.
"Not a fierce army, after all, Lord Bishop," King Forrest chuckled.
The Priest formed a smile. He was nervous but seeing how small the army was made him feel confident. Even if the girl could summon dragons, the army protecting her was small and feeble.
"We'll just see about that," King Forrest said brashly. "I want her in my harem. Kill Yugi Muto!" he shouted to his troops. "Whoever brings me the girl will get a castle and a vault of gold!"
The soldiers cheered and started marching. The wind started to howl and blow the long grass. Thunder boomed in the sky. Lightning flashed and the wind roared. Avi smiled. It was as if Selfana, The Goddess of Weather, was giving King Forrest one final warning before marching to imminent doom.
"Do what you must do," Yami commanded her.
Avi stepped forward and held out her hand. Her staff appeared and she grabbed it. She gave it a spin and smashed it on the ground. Thunder shook the Emerald Marches. And still, the army sprinted toward Avi and the army. It blasted again. Now the soldiers' pace slowed. That was not thunder. It was a roar.
From the sky, Sanctity of Dragon dove toward the earth. Arvas and Armiryle followed after him. Then, Constantine and Tartarus soared out of the coast. Ser Damien and his Luster Dragon trailed not that far behind.
In seconds, the Emerald Marches became a field of red. A thousand screams echoed into the air, mixed with the roaring and screeching of the True Dragons soaring over the battlefield. When Forrest's army weakened, Evelyn rode up the hill on top of an armored unicorn.
"Elleria thanks you, My Lady," she said.
Avi bowed. "They're all yours."
"I knew your dragons would give us an edge," said Ser Dancer. He lowered the visor of his helmet. "But this was just too easy."
The fresh army of Ebony Knights unsheathed their blades and followed their Princess towards the burning Naralian army, slaughtering them all within a matter of hours.
Evelyn
Days had passed since King Forrest's defeat in the Emerald Marches. Now, Evelyn found herself sitting in the grandest and oldest arena in the East. The Golden Dome. Perhaps the finest arena in Termnnia where only the greatest Duelists in history could do battle. Tall statues of Dueling legends formed a ring over the arena, made of solid gold. Red banners sealed with the emblem of the arena hung from their large arms. Evelyn gingerly bit into a chip from the buffet table set before her in the VIP box.
Alexis, Ezra, Dancer, Ethan, and Antione sat in a circle around her to shield her from the gaze of King Forrest who would shortly be arriving to watch his son Duel. At the same time, she was surrounded by the legends from the Battle of Rassay.
Yugi's friends Joey, Tristan, Duke, Tea, Serenity, Mai and Ribbon made themselves comfortable all round her, having arrived minutes earlier through a wayshrine. And her hero, The Summoner of Dragons, was here. Only Ser Gerhalos was by her side. Fira, Aldara and Tordo were seated somewhere in the stands below, but were being treated like kings.
"It ends today, princess," Avi said, holding her hand. "I promise you, I will see you get your revenge against the church and the Fat King."
"Thank you, Summoner," said Evelyn. "Together, I am sure we can overcome this evil one day."
"That day comes soon," Ser Dancer said, stirring his wine. "Just a few more months to go before Yuri's return."
"I do not know if it is that which makes me nervous…or the Duel," said Avi. She fanned herself with her hand.
"Perhaps the Duel," said Ser Gehalos. "Master Yu-Gi-Oh has a lot riding on this game."
"Not to be prying my nose where it doesn't belong, 'Summoner,'" said Ethan, rather haughtily, "but don't you and your Guardians have temples to find? Why the hell did you come all the way out here to watch this Duel? You have a job to do!"
"I'm sorry, are you yelling at me?" Avi said sternly
Ser Gerhalos growled and showing off his sharp teeth. His mane bristled with his anger and his whiskers shivered.
"Mind your tone, Ethan!" Evelyn commanded. "You are in no position to be demanding anything of anyone."
"I have more reason to be here than you," said Avi. "Master Yu-Gi-Oh was the one who sent me on this quest."
"So," said Ser Gerhalos, "this is the fool who lost the Emerald Marches."
"Well done, kid," Joey mocked. He was not pleased with Ethan's disrespect of the Summoner of Dragons.
"Ah, look," said Antoine, in hopes to lighten the mood and douse any fires that were being lit within everyone's hearts. "Bandit Keith has made his move."
High Chancellor Pegasus was in a Duel against a hedge-knight named Keith Howard, but he preferred to be called Bandit Keith. He wore a bandanna on his head with the stars and stripes of the otherworldly country of the United States of America. How he got it and why he wore it so proudly, nobody knew. Mayhaps he intended to visit the country one day.
There was much riding in this Duel. Keith demanded to be let into the order of mercenaries in Rassay known as the Golden Company. Sellwords who rode into battle with solid golden plates of armor, diamonds and glass. Keith had been in the service of many lords in his meager knighthood, but he demanded heavy prices for his services and was quite ruthless.
The Golden Company was owned by Pegasus, and he felt that Keith was not worthy to join the order. So arrogant was Pegasus, that he even denied Keith the honor with playing with phantom monsters, meaning no Duel Disks. The monsters remained inside their cards so the match was an ordinary Duel.
But Keith didn't care. He made many sacrifices to get this Duel arranged. He went as far as slitting a few throats to get what he wanted.
"Wow!" cried out a little boy from the front seats. "I wish I could Duel like Pegasus and Bandit Keith."
"So, Pegasus," said Keith. "Have you reconsidered? I am worthy after all. You're the creator of the game and yet you stand with a meager five-hundred Life Points."
Pegasus grinned. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper. He took a pen from his breast pocket, gave it a click and scribbled something onto it.
"What is he doing?" asked Dancer.
"Some creator?" scoffed Ethan. "He's gone mad."
"Just what is he up to?" Avi asked, curling a lock of her hair around her finger.
Pegasus pointed at the little boy who cried out. He was calling him to the table. A guard in purple armor picked up the boy and brought him over the wall. Pegasus got up from his seat and welcomed the child.
"Hey, what are you doing!" shouted Keith. "Asking for help is against the rules!"
"I don't need help 'Bandit Keith'. You're so trivial that even a small child could beat you."
"Is that so?"
Pegasus grinned. He leaned forward and whispered into the boy's ear.
"What's your name son?"
"Oh! I'm Sam,"
"Well, best of luck to you, Sam. Just follow these instructions and you'll be victorious."
"Okay, kid," said Keith. "I'll show you nobody makes a monkey out of Bandit Keith. I summon Garnecia Elefantis."
"Good card," said Sam. "But according to this note, once you summon that card I place this in attack mode,"
He summoned a Flying Elephant. It had only 1850 ATK which was feeble compared to Keith's elephant warrior who had 2400 ATK.
Sam grimaced as Keith began to sweat.
"Uh…I think I just brought all your Life Points to zero."
"WHAT!" shouted Keith. "Give me that!" He swiped the not from Sam's hands. Sweat rolled down his face. His body quivered in disbelief.
"I…I don't…but how? It's all here. What card I play. How to beat it. Everything."
"Consider your request to join the Golden Company denied," said Pegasus. He held up Sam's arm in victory. "Sam is the winner!" he shouted. "And a Duelist of such caliber is worthy for the halls of Duelist Academy."
"Wow! Really?"
"Yes, and consider your tuition on me, for such an amazing victory."
The arena guard then grabbed a defiant Keith by the arms and dragged him away. He struggled to get free.
"Let me go! Get your damn hands off of me! Nobody makes a monkey out of Bandit Keith!"
"Well, that was rather strange." Avi declared. "How in Safaani's name did he do that?"
"Pegasus was always a strange one," said Evelyn. "I Dueled him once for fun at my mother's masquerade ball and he trounced me viciously. He knew what I was going to play and when to play it."
"Remind me not to face him in a match," said Dancer.
"Pegasus, ha! I can take him." Ethan boasted.
"You stood no chance against my son," said King Forrest, marching into the VIP box. He got stern looks from everyone, none more than Evelyn and Kevin. "What makes you think you stand any chance against High Chancellor Pegasus."
"You've got a lot of nerve showing yourself here!" Tèa barked fiercely. "Especially for what you did to Prince Talion! You are a disgrace!"
"I'm afraid I did not have anything to do with that, young lady," said King Forrest. "It was the headsman of the Church who chopped off the prince's head. I merely bore the task of giving it to the princess."
He looked at Evelyn, sitting in her seat. Her cheeks glowing as red as cherries. He could see tears forming in her beautiful blue eyes. She could contain herself no longer and hiccuped.
"You should thank me, princess," boasted King Forrest. "Had it not been for me, Talion would have been sawed in half, burned alive, torn or flayed. It was because of my good will he got a quick, clean death."
"You bastard!" said Serenity. "Do you think that justifies you in anyway."
"I sure like to think so," King Forrest let out a loud laugh. His round stomach rolled like jelly. "I hope you remember the terms of our Duel?"
"What terms?" asked Dancer.
"Why, should Yugi lose this Duel to my son, Evelyn will come with me to Naralia. And, her father will surrender King's Rock to me."
"Evelyn!" gasped Alexis. "You and your father would just give up Elleria like that?"
"And what happens should you lose?" Tristan asked.
"I will surrender the Emerald Marches back to the Alterias; the headsman in charge of Talion's execution; and I will cease any more advances on Ellerian soil. By the honor of my god, Yeyu, I promise this."
"Evelyn that's a lot to ride on in some Duel," said Alexis. "Who knows what Forrest will put you through if Yugi loses. Your humanity is on the line."
"I am confident in my master's skills," said Evelyn. "I am not afraid. Yugi will defeat that little brat."
"I do hope you're wrong about this," said Forrest. "The princess has an ass on her I'd love to get my hands on. You should have seen how far above her head it went when she got on all fours and crawled to me like the little bitch that she is."
Kevin put his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to stand up and strike. But Evelyn grasped his wrist and shook her head no.
"You are a revolting pig," said Avi. "It makes me sick to know I'm in the same room as you."
"And this is the Summoner of Dragons. As lovely as the tales tell. Such magnificence. Such radiance. Such beauty. You Norman women are some fine eye candy. If I fulfill my destiny and conquer Terrmnnia, I'll see to it that Normandia will be next. And let it be known that should Yugi lose, this arena will be in Naralian territory. You will be arrested and charged for your crime of witchcraft, summoner. Hah, if the church didn't want you so badly, girl, I would take you for my own."
Ser Gerhalos roared. Forrest didn't move an inch.
"Arrested!" said Alexis.
"That goes for all of us?" gasped Ribbon.
"My men already have the box surrounded," said Forrest. "When my son wins, you will all be detained and tried. I hope you enjoy your last moments of freedom."
There was a blare of trumpets announcing the arena's half-time show. Shadows began to dance over the stadium. Evelyn looked up and saw knights flying atop dragons, making dazzling displays for the crowd.
"Listen to the women in the arena," said Ethan.
"Dragonriders get their fair share of women," said Dancer. "Only knights and nobles can mount the beasts after all. That means money. So why wouldn't women swoon over them."
"Speaking of knights," said Ezra. "Look at the handsome fellow on the Luster Dragon."
"Ser Damien Wolfgaard," said Dancer. "The Knight of Kisses."
The women in the arena threw flowers up at the ridiculously handsome knight. He had short-cropped blonde hair, eyes of brown mixed with a brilliant shade of green and he bore a face the female bards claim must have sculpted by Ana, the goddess of love and beauty. He and Constantine flew together over the arena.
Avi, however, had her eyes set on the other knight. He wore white-enameled armor and a thick white cape. His weapon of choice was an enchanted clockwork musket made of finely polished redwood and decorated with bronzed ornamentation.
He had a rapier sheathed over his right hip glimmering with multiple gems from emeralds to rubies and sapphires. His Luster Dragon was protected in armor of green glass trimmed with white enameled steel and decorated with layers of gold ornamentation. Underneath its armor the beast's scales glimmered for they were made of pure emerald.
After a spectacular display of loop-de-loops and aerial jousting by the dragonriders, Ser Damien landed outside the VIP box, his eyes set upon Avi. Ser Damien's Luster Dragon stomped towards the box and then turned to let his rider face the Summoner.
"My lady," he said, reaching into a compartment in his cape. He took out a rose that was trimmed with gold dust and glimmered in crystals. "For you."
"Thank you, Ser Knight," said Avi.
"I hope my lady Summoner will consider me to being one of her companions on her journey to seek more dragons."
"It takes more than good looks to be a sworn defender of Lady Avellana Lofnmagni Ethelfleda!" Ser Gerhalos retorted.
"I am aware of this," Ser Damien bowed respectfully. "You must be the legendary Ser Gerhalos. I suppose you are right. What hopes do I have when she already has a fine warrior like yourself as her champion? I hope you consider my offer, nonetheless, Lady Avellana."
"Call me, Avi, Ser Knight,"
"Avi, very well. Still a lovely name no matter how much you chop it to bits. May I be so bold as to ask you for a kiss?"
"Do you think you deserve one?"
"I am the Knight of Kisses, so called because I have kissed every beautiful woman in Termnnia. It will do me a tremendous honor if High King Yuri's future summoner has graced me with a kiss."
"You believe I can do it?"
"If master Yu-Gi-Oh has much faith in you, then I most certainly believe."
Avi got up from her seat and leaned over the rail, despite Ser Gerhalos's protesting growls. The knight leaned forward and placed his lips on hers.
The crowd ooohed and the jealous women hissed.
"A kiss as sweet as honey," Ser Damien said tickling the bottom of her chin to make her giggle. "I wish you luck on your pilgrimage, Summoner."
"Thank you, Ser Knight," said Avi.
Damien then laid eyes on Forrest. He reached into his cape's compartment again and took out something wrapped in brown paper. Whatever it was it was bleeding. He opened the brown paper and tossed something at the Fat King.
A horse's penis.
"May Master Yu-Gi-Oh be successful in defeating that brat you call a son!" he shouted before taking off. The wind from the dragon's massive wings almost knocking Forrest's crown off.
Avi and the others laughed as King Forrest got up from his seat and leaned over the guard rail shouting curses at Ser Damien as he shook his fist still clutching the animal genitals in his hand causing it to wiggle like a worm.
The crowd saw this and laughed at him
"DON'T LAUGH AT ME!" he commanded. "I AM THE KING OF THE NORTH!"
Another blare of trumpets announced the arrival of the Duel everyone was waiting for.
Yami pushed open the doors and entered the arena where almost all Elleria was eagerly awaiting the match that could ultimately halt King Forrest's advances.
His ears almost deafened by the roar of the crowd and the loud trumpets that announced his arrival. There was a small section in the front row in brown and orange. They were knights who escorted Prince Malcolm to Elleria for his Duel.
Evelyn felt her body shiver when she saw the participants.
"What an outstanding arena," said Forrest, admiring the architecture, doing his best to calm his nerves.
The arena grounds Yami and Malcolm were standing on was made of glass. Waterfalls fell into a moat right underneath the glass. There were curved arches and grand red banners of the High-King.
"Do you really intend to ban Duel monsters?" Serenity asked the fat king.
"Ban?" laughed Forrest. "I will end it. It's high time Termnnia grows out of this silly card game."
"And yet here you are, your entire advance at the hands of the very game you hate." Mai Valentine said entering the room in a velvet dress colored black with metalwork collars and cuffs with thin plates on the shoulders and around the thighs making it look like she was wearing armor.
King Forrest nearly sprang out of his seat when he saw her enter the box.
"Hey Mai," said Joey.
"Hi, Mai," Serenity said sweetly.
"Just in time," said Tèa. "The match was about to start."
"My lady," breathed Forrest. "So, you're the one they call the Delight of Termnnia," said Forrest. "I can see why. The tales they sing about your beauty doesn't do you justice."
"I'm flattered," Mai said sarcastically.
"Do you not find my words true?" Forrest asked, placing his knuckles on his very large belt with a ring of small escutcheons.
"My only love in the world is Duel Monsters," said Mai. "So, no thank you."
"I find you fetching, girl. And I want both you and this kingdom."
"If you want this kingdom your, son is going to have to defeat the best Duelist in history." Mai said with a frown. "They will settle this in a Duel like the honorable kings of old."
"And do you not find me honorable?"
"You're nothing but a renegade," said Mai. "A fool with so much power he thinks he's above the law and the Creator."
"Ha, I will wipe that smug grin off your pretty lips after my son defeats Yugi."
The Duelists below were ready.
"So, ready to fight?" Prince Malcolm cried out from below.
"I am always ready for a fight!" said Yami. "Remember, Forrest," Yami pointed at the king. "If you lose, your army will cease their advances into other lands. And you will keep your vow under pain of death!"
"Indeed," said Forrest. "Now begin this pointless match so I can claim my throne."
Yami and Malcolm drew their first five cards down below. A coin was flipped. Yami called heads. He got it so he was starting first.
"LET'S Duel!" he and Malcolm shouted.
Yami-4000 LP
Prince Malcolm-4000 LP
"Prepare to hand over the Diamond Throne to The House of the Grizzly!" sneered Malcolm.
"Don't get to comfortable here, you little brat!" Yami shouted, drawing his first card. "For my first move I summon, Neo the Magic Swordsman in attack mode!"
Yami placed the card on his golden Duel Disk. The mana crystals inside began to churn up their energies and brought forth the monster to the field. A tall, handsome swordsman with golden-blonde hair and icy gray eyes wearing a green cuirass over a brown shirt and trousers. His boots were the same color and design as his cuirass and his pauldrons were blue with red orbs trimmed in gold. A midnight blue cape fluttered behind his back. The sword he carried had magical energies.
Neo the Magic Swordsman
ATK/1700 DEF/1000
"Then, I will place two cards face down, and end my turn."
Malcolm's turn.
"I summon Marauding Captain in attack mode! Then I use the spell card Double Summon to bring another one to the field. And to use his special ability. When Marauding Captain is summoned to the field I can summon a level four or lower monster to the field. So behold Shine Knight and Command Knight. Then I place one card face down and equip my Shine Knight with Legendary Sword, boosting his attack by three hundred. And my Command Knight increases all of my Warrior-Type monsters by four hundred points."
"Aw man!" cried Joey. "Look at all those knights!"
Command Knight
ATK/ 1200 + 400 =1600
Marauding Captain x2
ATK/1200 + 400 = 1600
Shine Knight
ATK/ 400 + 400 + 300 = 1100
"Well, we shouldn't have to worry," said Serenity. "His monsters are weaker than Yugi's magic swordsman."
"You believe my son to be a fool?" chuckled Forrest. "Watch, my son knows what to do."
"Now, I activate the spell card: Banner of Courage! Now during my battle phase my monsters will get a two-hundred-point boost. Making my Command Knight and Marauding Captain more than a match for your Neo. Marauding Captain attack his Neo now!"
"I think not," said Yami. "Reveal face down card: Reinforcements. Now my Neo will gain an additional five hundred points this turn. Raising his strength to twenty-two hundred!"
Neo enchanted his blade. He leaped forward and cut Malcolm's Marauding Captain in half.
The crowd howled at the gore.
Avi gasped and buried her face in her hands to shield her view from the sight.
"What are you going on about?" sneered Ethan. "There isn't any blood."
"Leave her alone," Antoine said, slapping Ethan in the back of the head. "You're in enough trouble already."
Back in the arena, Malcolm growled as his Life Points dropped to 3700.
"I place two cards face down and end my turn." Malcolm said in frustration.
He was cocky, perhaps a little too cocky. He was a fool to think getting to Yami's Life Points would have been that easy. His heart began to beat in his chest. Every vessel in his body was pumping something fierce. He felt nervous for once. Not too much, for the game was still early. He watched Yami draw his card. He felt a chill run down his frame. What could that next card have in store for him next?
Yami looked at the young prince and said: "I will begin my turn by summoning my Breaker the Magical Warrior!"
Yami summoned a magician in crimson armor trimmed with gold and a red cape that was emerald green underneath. It's attack with 1600 until Yami activated an effect which allowed him to place a counter on the warrior.
The counter boosted his attack by 300, thus making him 1900.
Yami then gave Neo the Magic Swordsman an equip spell card called Book of Secret Arts, which increased his attack and defense by 300 points, raising him to 2000. Then he laid a card face down.
Or so Yami thought, for Malcolm activated a trap card: Negate Attack. The card stopped Yami from making any further moves.
With nothing else to do, Yami ended his turn.
"And now I will start mine!" boasted Malcolm. "I shall use the spell, Premature Burial to return my fallen Marauding Captain."
Malcolm's Life Points went down to 2900 because he had to pay 800 to bring back his captain. The soldier returned to the field.
"But he won't stay for long!" the little Naralian prince boasted. "For he shall pay for his petty defense of my front line. I now sacrifice my two Marauding Captains in order to summon my ultimate warrior! I summon Gilford the Legend."
"Augh!" Yami gasped.
The two monsters turned into orbs of light which formed into the giant of a warrior. Yami knew it was the stolen card Princess Evelyn told him about, for this Gilford was adorned with solid gold armor.
"My brother's card," sobbed Evelyn. "Being used against Master Yugi?" She slapped her hands on her face and wept. "You bastard."
"It's okay, princess," Mai said, rubbing Evelyn's back. "If I know anyone who can get that card back, it's Yugi."
"But I'm not done yet!" said Malcolm. "I will switch my Shine Knight to defense position. And when he's face up in defense mode he ranks up to a Level Four monster. And now I shall Xyz Summon."
"What!" cried Yami. "Xyz Summon!"
"He knows how to Xyz Summon!" Joey shouted in disbelief.
"I will overlay my common rabble, Shine Knight and Command Knight to summon forth a mighty officer from within my ranks. Come forth Heroic Champion-Excalibur!"
"Master Yugi!" shouted Avi.
The strange red-armored warrior appeared onto the field after a dazzling display of glittering light.
"Behold!" shouted Malcolm. "Now you have my officers to contend with!"
Gilford the Legend ATK/2600 DEF/2000 LV 8
Heroic Champion-Excalibur ATK/2000 DEF/2000 LV 4
"Now it's my turn to bring the pain!" Malcolm sneered, balling his fist. "First, my Heroic Champion. I can remove two Xyz Material monster from him to double his attack points."
ATK/4000
"By the goddesses!" cried Dancer. "Four-thousand attack points!"
"Attack his Neo, my warrior!" shouted the prince.
"I don't think so!" shouted Yami. "Activate trap card, Mirror Force."
"By Yeyu!" said King Forrest, "That's the card the almost cost my son the match against Ethan!
"I think not," said Malcolm. "I activate Seven Tools of the Bandit. Now by paying one-thousand of my Life Points, I cancel out your trap.'
"NO!" shouted Yami.
"Now, my warrior! Continue with your attack!"
Heroic Champion-Excalibur dashed forward and jabbed his thick, heavy sword into Neo's torso. The magic swordsman let out a painful grunt and then vanished from the field.
Yami lost 1300 points for this attack, bringing him down to 2700. But then came Gilford's turn to attack. He attacked Yugi's Breaker the Magical Warrior and then lost another 700 bringing him down to 2000, already at half his Life Points.
"My son is no fool," boasted Forrest. "You see, my dear," he said, craning his neck to look at Mai. "My boy has the power to overcome any opponent."
"Don't get cocky, your Grace," said Mai. "Yugi always finds a way."
"You just watch you wretched wench!" snapped Donald, arriving late to the match, for he was emptying his bowels in the latrine. "By the hour, this Duel will be ours, and the Diamond Throne will belong to Naralia."
"So what if he does win?" said Mai. "The Divine Beasts want nothing to do with you. And they'll make that statement clear when you set your fat ass on my baby's throne. Do us all a favor and don't, to save the palace maids the effort of sweeping up your ashes."
"You will see," said Forrest. "I have all but conquered the North. And when my son defeats the world's greatest Duelist they will see reason."
"Your son may win a lousy Duel, but Prince Daveed killed a god. Your argument is invalid." Mai said, turning her attention back to the Duel.
Don't prove me wrong, Yugi. If you lose...we're all goners.
Yami coughed heavily at the dust left behind from the impact of Gilford's attack. Both his monsters wiped out so quickly and viciously. Neo's blood was still dripping on Heroic Blade Excalibur's sword.
"Look at the world's best Duelist now," Malcolm lampooned. "My skills have gotten so sharp, I've even put the King of Games to his knees."
"You do so by stealing cards from their rightful masters," Yami said weakly. "I assure you, that you will not be victorious this day. You and your father will pay for your sins after I am done with you. If you think you have me beat just by attacking me with a few lucky shots, then you are sadly mistaken, boy."
"Then show me what you've got, old man!"
"The audacity!" growled Evelyn. "I hate that child."
"I shall," Yami said. He drew his card after his turn began. "I activate the spell card, Dark Magic Circle! Now I look at the top three cards in my deck and reveal a Dark Magician or a spell or trap that specifically has Dark Magician in the text of the card. Then I place the other two cards in the top of my deck in any order I desire."
Yami revealed the card he selected to keep after arranging the cards. He smiled.
"The Dark Magician!" he called out.
"Ugh!" gasped Malcolm. "Not him!"
"The legendary Dark Magician," said Dancer. "At last. I've wanted to see Yugi use that card in a Duel since I was a small boy."
"I never thought I would see a match with Master Yugi using the Dark Magician," said Antione. "This is truly a day I will never forget."
"I bet I can take him on," said Ethan. "I got plenty of cards that can destroy that stupid spellcaster."
"Then where were they in the Emerald Marches?" Ezra asked.
"I didn't have them then," Ethan scoffed. "But my new deck is something worthy of praise."
"You insult my teacher again it will not bode well for you," said Evelyn.
"But what good will that Dark Magician card do him anyway?" Ethan asked. "He has no monsters to tribute him with."
"If that was such a problem then why does Master Yu-Gi-Oh have that smile on his face?" Avi asked.
"Yeah, explain that kiddo?" said Joey. "My pal, Yugi, is just like his magicians. He always has a trick up his sleeves."
"I now activate my trap card!" announced Yami. "Magician's Navigation!"
"What does that do?" Malcolm asked.
"It allows me to special summon one Dark Magician from my hand! Now, cower in fear as I summon my mightiest monster!"
An arcane circle appeared on the field, glowing dark violet.
"Here he comes," breathed Evelyn.
The Dark Magician rose out of the arcane circle with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were shut as though he were in a deep sleep. When he finally came out onto the world of Men, his eyes instantly opened.
Malcolm looked into his glowing blue eyes and shivered. The Dark Magician always spelled doom for many Duelists. And Yami was about to show him why.
"As powerful as your Dark Magician is, he's still no match for my Gilford."
"No, but Gilford will no longer be here with us. For I will use the secondary effect of my Dark Magical Circle. When a Dark Magician is summoned to the field I select one card you control and banish it."
Dark Magician spun his staff and blasted Gilford with a dazzling spell. Gilford lurched forward and cried out in pain then vanished from the field.
"And I am not finished!" yelled Yami. "For my Magician's Navigation allows me to summon a level seven or below DARK spellcaster-type monster from my deck. Come forth, Dark Magician Girl!"
The men in the stadium whistled and hooted with glee as possibly the most beautiful card in all of Duel Monsters was summoned to the field. She flew out of a pink arcane circle and gave a wink as she hovered down next to her master.
Dark Magician-ATK/2500 DEF/2100
Dark Magician Girl-ATK/2000 DEF/1700
"I wasn't aware Duel Monsters had cards capable of such beauty," King Forrest said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Ah, the Dark Magician Girl at last!" drooled Antione. "What a spectacular monster."
"She's no monster," said Ethan. "She's an angel! I bet Ana herself had something to do with her creation."
"Will you guys get a grip?" grumbled Ezra.
"And now, that the effect of your Heroic Champion is over, his attack points go back down to two-thousand. Dark Magician attack his Heroic Champion with Dark Magic Attack!"
Dark Magician jumped into the air, gave his staff a spin and fired his signature attack at Malcolm's monster.
His Life Points were lowered to 2200.
"And now, Dark Magician Girl! Attack his Life Points directly!"
Dark Magician Girl cheered and a made a graceful bound. She looked down at Malcolm and gave him a wink then aimed her rod at him. But she was suddenly enveloped in chains."
"What's this!?"
The Dark Magician Girl squealed trying to get free from the chains coiling around her body.
"I activated my Shadow Spell, trap card!" said Malcolm. "It renders your Dark Magician Girl useless and lowers her attack by seven hundred points."
The chains drained the Dark Magician Girl's attack to 1300. She moaned in agony.
"You thought you could easily get me, stupid!" Malcolm shouted, giving the finger at the Dark Magician Girl. "What now bitch! Look at you!"
"I will end my turn," said Yami. "Make your final move."
"Final move? You sure about that?"
He drew his card. "Yes! I use monster reborn to bring back my Marauding Captain. Then I tribute him to summon the Millennium Shield in defense mode! With a defense of three-thousand you won't get through to me. And it will keep me safe until I can figure out how to rid the field of those pesky magicians."
Yami chuckled confidently.
"Wha-what is it now?" Malcolm babbled in fear.
"You think that shield is going to be enough to win you a victory over me? For that matter, did you honestly believe that you're the only one in this arena who can Xyz Summon? I've learned a few tricks from a wandering Duelist named Yuma. You could learn a thing or two from this energetic youth. Now, behold as I overlay my two magicians!"
A powerful force helped Dark Magician Girl break free from her chains. She gave Malcolm the finger, then jumped up into a vortex with her master.
"Come forth, Ebon Illusion Magician!"
"Oh!" went King Forrest, getting up from his seat to get a better view of the new monster. A dark, shadowy figure in robes as black as night and long golden hair that went down to his back.
Ebon Illusion Magician
ATK/2500 DEF/2100
"It can't be!" shouted King Forrest. "I'm about to lose everything I worked so hard to achieve. My battles! My victories. All for naught because of this stupid game!"
"You got him now, spirit," Yugi said, appearing next to Yami in his phantom form. "That Ebon Illusion Magician has another effect up his sleeve. I think it's high time we use it to put that kid in his place."
"I couldn't agree more," said Yami. "And now, I will detach one Xyz material monster from my magician in order to summon a normal spellcaster-type monster from my hand or deck."
"But, but that just isn't fair!" shouted Malcolm.
"Come forth, Dark Magician!"
"Wait," said Evelyn. "I thought he only had one in his deck."
"Thank you for letting me use your Dark Magician, Yugi," Yami said looking down at the boy. Yugi smiled and nodded his head.
His Dark Magician came onto the field. But he was adorned in black armored robes with glowing neon blue trim. His skin was pale blue and his hair as white as snow.
"Th-they still can't get past my Millennium Shield!" Malcolm said, trying his hardest not to cry.
"Is that so?" said Yami. "Dark Magician! Attack!"
"You're a fool!"
The Millennium Shield suddenly vanished.
"What!"
"When my Dark Magician attacks, my Ebon Illusion Magician comes into play. I can select one card you control and banish it."
"NO!"
Evelyn jumped in her seat with joy. "He did it! I knew he could."
"I haven't seen you smile like that in weeks, my love," Dancer said, taking her hand.
Evelyn smiled back. They kissed while Yami made the final blow.
"This is for Prince Talion!" shouted Yami.
His Dark Magician burned the rest of Malcolm's Life Points to 0.
"Yugi Muto is the winner!" called out the announcer.
The crowd lifted from their seats and cheered for the King of Games.
Yami then walked to Malcolm and searched his deck for Gilford the Legend.
"This will go to its proper owner," Yami said, kicking the unconscious boy's arm out of his way to further approach Forrest.
"My son!" shouted King Forrest. "MY SON!"
"KNOW THIS!" roared Yami. "An alliance will be formed with the coming of Prince Daveed next week. And if you should break your vow and set foot into our homes you will face a force unlike any other as all Termnnia will unite against the North and expel you from the annals of history! Termnnia belongs to everyone!"
"YUGI! YUGI! YUGI! YUGI!"
Evelyn looked down at the King of Games and blew him a well-deserved kiss.
Yami smiled back at the princess and gave a thumbs-up as he made an about-face and proudly walked back into the inner sanctum of the arena.
"Must you really be leaving, Phoenix?" Avi asked as they all stood together in front of the Northern Eredian Gate to depart for Goldenbrand, a town where Avi was to hone her skills as a Summoner. "I was just starting to get to know you?"
"Sadly, I must," Phoenix said. "My mission was to escort you to Master Yugi safe and sound. That mission has been fulfilled and I must be on my way. Prince Yuri is returning soon, and I must prepare for that. I am to be his Court Magician after all."
"But it's still so far away," whined Trish. "We could really use your skills."
"I must tend to my duties with the Alliance," Phoenix said with a sorrowful sigh. "I loved spending time with each of you these past few weeks. But there are tensions growing in Akuuda. My friends in the Alliance are all going there to help Prince Marcel wipe out an invading force of Narlian troops."
"Aw, that's too bad," said Robin. "Like Avi said, I was getting to know you, too. You're really cool, Phoenix. And really pretty."
"I am going to miss your magic as well," said Ser Gerhalos. "You come in pretty handy in a tight spot, young lady. Master Yugi has chosen wisely naming you to be the High King's Court Magician. You have big shoes to fill in that position. Many powerful wizards, sorceresses, and the like have served the High Kings since Tiberius the Uniter."
Avi nodded. "Well, if I can somehow climb my way up the ranks in the Summoner's Guild, perhaps you and I will serve Yuri when he's High King."
Phoenix laughed. "My dear, you're the Summoner of Dragons. Train those beasts hard, and there will be nothing that can stop you."
"Yes, and the first one going down is that thong-wearing, bouncy-breasted bitch Arietta!"
"Goodness me," Fira said as she refilled her cantine by a fountain. "I didn't you had such a colorful vocabulary, Dove."
"Last Call!" shouted the conductor.
"I must be off," Phoenix said, ready to catch the train to the Ebony Port to catch the ship to Akuuda. "Avi, it was an honor. Take care of yourself, okay."
"You, too," Avi said giving her a big hug. "I'm going to miss you."
"And I will miss you, my dear." Phoenix kissed her on the forehead. "I know you're going to be a great Summoner. Kick some ass."
And so, Phoenix bowed and left her companions. They watched her until she got on the train and disappeared from view.
"You cannot stay in Elleria any longer Summoner?" Evelyn asked inside the library of her bedchambers. "Yuri is said to return tonight. There is much to do."
"I fear I have my own duties to attend to Your Grace," Avi said with a smile. "But it was my pleasure finally meeting the princess of Elleria."
"I just wish you could have met my brother, too," Evelyn stuttered. "Then again, perhaps not. He was quite the womanizer."
Avi chuckled lightly, her soft laugh sounding almost like the coo of a dove. "I still would have liked to meet Prince Talion either way. Do not fret anymore, princess, the war with Forrest is over."
"That's what makes me upset," said Evelyn. "When used right, Duel Monsters can be a weapon more potent than any sword and more powerful than all the armies put together. If father had understood that and put aside his pride and asked Master Yugi for help long ago, my brother would still be here."
"We cannot change the past, young one," consorted Ser Gerhalos, sipping wine by the fireplace. He leaned against the wall, as he was much too big to sit in any of her chairs. "No matter what," he continued, "we must always move forward with our spirits high. Yes, sadly your brother has Ascended, but he is now at peace enjoying the fruits in the Garden of the Goddesses. You will not let him rest properly if you continue to weep for him and mourn over what could have been. And you have his card back. Master Yu-Gi-Oh said when one bonds with their card, it forms a heart of its own. So a piece of Talion will always be in that card."
"I understand," Evelyn said, bowing at Avi's champion. "Thank you, Ser."
"Such a pity we can't stay, this is a wonderful country," said Aldara, now adorned in armor and gear fresh from the smithy. Her rifle was reforged and given a new coat of fresh black paint and given an array of tactical accessories as a treat from Alexis Rhodes.
"I am pleased to know you enjoyed your stay in Elleria, Miss Aldara."
"Enjoyed it? I cherished every moment. I had a hot meal, a lovely bed to sleep on, and a warm scented bubble bath at the end of each day. I tell you I won't relish in such luxuries for quite some time when I begin my travels with Lady Avi on the morrow."
Neow! Neow!
"I will miss your little dragon friend as well," Evelyn said, catching the Baby Tiragon, as it jumped from Aldara's shoulders to her arms. She tickled his tummy causing it to laugh hysterically in her arms.
"I wish you could stay," beamed Evelyn.
"I wish we could too, but, as the Summoner said, we have duties to attend to," said Tordo, who was at Aldara's feet with a smug look on his face. His two front teeth protruding from his lips. He had every right to be confident, for he was plated in engraved steel and a layer of chainmail with a little cape made of white cloth-of-gold and a shortsword forged from the fires of Terda Forth, a volcanic island town off the coast of Elleria where the finest weapons in the East were forged.
He bowed, but the dragon-shaped visor on his red-plumed helmet fell over his face, again. He could just never keep the damned thing up.
"Brrrgh! Brrrgh!" he grumbled. His fingers fumbling all over feeling around for the visor.
Evelyn giggled at the spectacle. She spared no expense helping to properly equip Avi and her companions on their long quest to search for the rest of the dragons hidden in the temples scattered all over Termnnia.
"You have been such a good friend to me in the short time I've known you, Summoner," Evelyn said with a heavy heart. "It pains me to see you go so soon."
"One day we shall meet again, princess," Avi promised her. The cool breeze from the open window caused her golden bangs to sway over her angelic face. "And when we do, it will be the Termnnia we have always dreamed it would be."
"Come along now, Dove," said Fira, entering the library. "We must be off. There is much ground to cover before we reach Crestwood."
"In a minute, Fira."
"Twenty," Fira bowed. "An hour if you wish, there is no hurry. You are the Summoner, after all, Dove."
"An hour," Aldara said, rubbing her chain. "Perhaps that gives me time to sneak into the kitchens for some of that honey-baked ham. It is delicious. I'd like to take some for the road if that is all right with you, Your Grace."
"I see no trouble in missing a ham or two," Evelyn grinned, shaking her head.
"Uh…my lady," said an Ebony Knight, nervously stepping into the library.
"What is it?" asked Evelyn.
"A thousand pardons, Princess, but there are members of the Church of Yeyu here to see the Summoner."
"And who gave them permission to enter the castle?" Evelyn asked sternly. "Does my father know about this?"
"He does, Your Grace, he is currently in the temple with your mother, mourning. Your brother's body has been returned."
"What?" Ser Kevin gasped, getting up from his seat.
"Why would the Church do this?" asked Evelyn.
"It was an exchange," said the Ebony Knight.
"Whatever for?"
He didn't say a word but looked sadly into the silver eyes of Avellana.
"Come, Summoner," said Evelyn.
"Ser Gerhalos, please," said Avi.
Her champion set down his cup and followed Avi and Evelyn out of the bedchambers. They walked down a set of stairs leading to her room. Down below, by the limestone fountain stood four hooded monks. The one upfront was a man in his late thirties sporting a Tonsure for a haircut.
His nose was hooked and he had a wart growing from it. The red-eye of Yeyu surrounded in green flames was pinned to their dirty brown robes with rope belts carrying small deerskin pouches.
"Your Grace," said the monk. "His Holiness wishes to speak with the Summoner in the northern watchtower at once."
"His Holiness is more than capable of speaking with her here," Evelyn said fiercely.
"Princess," said the monk. "His Holiness commands it. The Church, in good faith, returned the body of Prince Talion in exchange for the Summoner. She is wanted for performing witchcraft, a crime punishable by death. You must return with us to stand trial."
"I am not going anywhere," hissed Avi.
"This is not a request, young lady. You have been commanded by the Hierarch, a man higher than any king, for he is the voice of almighty Yeyu. It is unwise to refuse him. If you do not come of your own free will then we have been ordered to use force."
The monks reached into their robes and took out all manner of blunt melee weapons, from wooden clubs with steel spikes, and triple flail spiked balls.
"Will you still refuse us, Summoner?"
"You cannot do this!" shouted Evelyn. "Master Yu-Gi-Oh won the duel. King Forrest cannot bother us anymore."
"King Forrest has no concern in this affair," the monk assured her shaking his head. "This is a matter of the Church. His Highness, King Helmsley, gave us permission to arrest this unholy witch after we returned the body of his son, the prince. We fulfilled our end of the bargain. Now it is time for your family to see that they fulfill theirs."
"I had no part in this bargain!" said Evelyn. "And since my mother and father are not present at the moment you will deal with me. And I order you to leave."
"Then we shall use force."
The monks cackled cruelly and raised their weapons ready to break Avi's bones and drag her to the watchtower if they had to.
"How dunce can you be?" chuckled Fira from the top of the staircase. "She can summon dragons for heaven's sakes. You come near her, and it will be the end of you."
"Not in the castle!" cried Ser Kevin. "They are too big."
"You will order your men to leave," Evelyn said stepping forward. "And you can tell your Hierarch that if he wishes to speak to the Summoner he can carry his fat ass over here himself and…"
The monk slapped Evelyn across the face. She grunted and fell to the ground on her knees.
"Never insult His Holiness in front of me! If you weren't the princess, we'd take you along as well and be punished for your insolence."
The Ebony Knights unsheathed their swords and marched forward, ready to slay the monk for touching Evelyn.
"Your king has ordered you not to harm us!" shouted the monk. "Let it be known that the coming of the Fires of Judgement draws near. And if any of you do not change your blasphemous ways you will torment forever in the Shadow Realm. I grow weary of this bitch. Grab the Summoner and let's go."
Avi backed up as the monks neared her with ravenous grins on their faces. But then Ser Gerhalos stepped in front of her. His sheer size and his beastly anger caused the monks to back off.
He snarled at them, showing off his sharp teeth and his golden canines. His whiskers rose up and down violently and his mane seemed to quiver. His brownish-gold eyes ablaze with fury.
"Step aside, knight!" said the lead monk.
Ser Gerhalos continued snarling at them.
"Tell your animal to stand down, Summoner."
Ser Gerhalos roared.
"Animal?" snapped Avi. "How dare you insult my knight."
"I've had it with this insolence. Kill them!" the lead monk commanded. "Cut off her head and put it in a bag when you are done."
A monk arrogantly charged at the Leogai knight with a pitiful excuse for a battle cry. He smashed his hammer into Ser Gerhalos's breastplate creating a dent and causing much of the beautiful golden ornamentation to fall off. With the tough plate and a barrel-like chest, Ser Gerhalos hardly felt the blow.
Ser Gerhalos roared in the monk's face. He then grabbed the monk by the shoulders and lifted him up.
The monk squealed like a pig to the slaughter as Ser Gerhalos brought his head into his mouth. The atrium echoed with the crunching of bone and the ripping of flesh as Ser Gerhalos ripped off the monk's head with his teeth and spit it out.
"He ruined my armor!" growled Ser Gerhalos. His chops painted red in the monk's blood and the fur around his snout hung down from his face like dripping red stones.
Another foolish monk charged. Ser Gerhalos grabbed him by the arm and ripped it out of its socket. The monk screamed for a moment, then Ser Gerhalos placed both his massive hands on the monk's head and flattened it without effort.
The lead monk babbled in horror when he saw his men laying on the floor mangled and lifeless. The beautiful black and white tiled marble floor was covered in a sticky coat of red.
Evelyn stood up, rubbing her swollen cheek. "You be sure to tell His Holiness what happens when they cross us and force their ways upon our people. Daveed is returning and your time draws at an end. Now, for the last time, GET OUT!"
The monk gasped. He and the rest of his men stormed out of the castle.
"Avellana," said Evelyn. "It has been a pleasure. Watch your back out there. Knowing the Hierarch of Yeyu, he will send more of his thugs. The Church will not stop until it claims you. Farewell, and may the Stars of Entuli light your path."
"Farewell, princess," Avi said, stepping over all the gore around her. "May they bring light to yours. Eoveth."
"Eoveth, Summoner," said Evelyn.
Following the ordeal in the castle, Avi and her companions left King's Rock and made a long trek to the town of Crestwood where Fira said she knew a contact who knew the whereabouts about one of the temples of Saafani.
She was forced to stay on the fifth floor of the inn they were staying in for the night, for they were close to the Naralian border and the witch-hunters, despite having learned what happened in the castle earlier that day, they were intent on fulfilling the wishes of the Hierarch.
After a warm bath and a dinner of potato soup and a crust of bread, Avi retired to her room for the night. Ser Gerhalos guarded her door.
Avi dressed in a heavenly white nightgown with little crystals sewn onto to it. They glimmered like the stars above when she walked outside and was bathed in the silver light of Termnnia's largest moon.
She rested her cheek on her palm of her hand and thought about the events that had transpired that day. She had never seen so much blood before, but she had a feeling it was going to part of her life now as she quested for the temples.
"Are you troubled, Lady Avellana?" asked a booming voice, radiating from her pendant.
"Arvas? Well, I didn't think I would hear your voice again."
"I had to make sure you were still up to the task," the dragon said from within the pendant. "Despite all I've told you when we first met a year ago, you still seemed rather doubtful."
"Forgive me, Arvas," said Avi picking up the pendant with her fingers. She rubbed the surface and said, "I did not mean to doubt your words. I was so confused. I could not believe what was happening was real. But then Master Yu-Gi-Oh led me to another dragon and gave me a legendary staff in which the spirit of a dragon sleeps. Now, thanks to you and Sanctity of Dragon, you've obliterated an army. Whatever doubts I had, he washed away."
"For that I'm glad. There are many more out there, and they are waiting for you to claim them. Now go rest, my Summoner. We have much to do come the sunrise and I want you to be at your best."
"I understand. Good night, Arvas."
"Good night Avi."
As she turned to go back to into her bed to rest she heard a heavy flap coming from the night. She turned and saw an armored Luster Dragon flap over her balcony. The grinning face of Ser Damien could be seen glowing in the moonlight.
"Ser Damien!" gasped Avi.
"Avi!" Ser Gerhalos shouted from behind the door. He pounded on it so violently that Avi thought it would fall off its hinges. "What is that sound?" he shouted.
"It's the wind!"
"The wind does not create gusts like that!" he called back.
"I assure you it's the wind!" she shouted. "Don't come in, Ser Gerhalos. I'm not dressed."
She walked to the edge of the balcony. The flaps of the emerald Luster Dragon's wings making fearsome gusts.
"What are you doing here?" she whispered.
"You left, King's Rock so quickly," the knight said. "You didn't even give me an answer to join your quest."
"I don't know," said Avi.
"My Lady, you must. These are dark times, and there are bad people after you as you no doubt witnessed today in the Alteria's castle. I wish to offer you my services and join you on your quest."
"And what do you have to offer that will let me even consider you joining my pilgrimage?"
"Why this of course," said Ser Damien. He opened a bandolier on his saddle and took out a rolled piece of parchment. "It's a map I acquired from the Katinian Archives. Let it be known it was not easy to get this. It leads to the location of one of the temples of Saafani. It is yours if you wish."
"Very well, Ser Damien. I welcome you into my party." She made an attempt to take the map but he raised it out of her reach.
"However, if you want the map, I must ask for a favor?"
"What do you want?" Avi asked suspiciously.
"Avi! Who are you talking to! Is that a man I hear in there?" Ser Gerhalos shouted as he pounded on the door.
"Just a little of your time," Ser Damien said with a soft chuckle. "Come ride with me." He held out his hand.
"Ser Damien, I…"
"You have dragons to summon, yes? Well, one day you might ride one. Or, mayhaps, one night; such as this. I can teach you a few things."
He got off his dragon's saddle and jumped onto the balcony.
"You first," he said.
"Very well, Ser Damien, you've piqued my interest. Let it be known I will be watched."
Arvas, the Ancient Dragon, suddenly appeared as is swooping down from nothing. He landed on the roof of the inn and raised his neck. He snarled looking down at Ser Damien.
"Avi! What the hell was that?!" Ser Gerhalos shouted from behind the door. "Young lady if you don't open this door I will tear it down!"
"Ser Damien, let me introduce to you Arvas. The dragon that started all of this. Without him, I would have never gone on this quest."
"Arvas?" Ser Damien said kneeling on one knee. "It is an honor to behold with my own two eyes a True Dragon of Termnnia."
"Can you trust this boy?" Arvas asked, telepathically.
"I feel that I can," said Avi. "Will you stand by me and protect me?"
"I shall," said Arvas.
"Magnificent," breathed Ser Damien. "You can talk to dragons?"
"Only the ones I summon," said Avi. "Let it be known, Ser Damien, my dragon will be close by. Should you intend to force ill will upon me you will suffer greatly."
"My Lady, you've hurt me. I have no reason to bear you ill will."
"Forgive me for being so defensive," Avi smiled. "As you say, I am being hunted by the Church, so it is unwise to trust just anyone nowadays."
She took his hand and then was lead to the saddle. Just as Damien climbed on and sat behind her, Ser Gerhalos broke down the door.
"AVI!" he shouted.
Before Avi could say anything to her knight, Luster Dragon took off. Avi felt her stomach lurch backward and felt a rush course through her frame as the dragon sped upward into the night. The wind blew down on her giving her a chill, but she was so exhilarated from the takeoff that she paid the cold no heed. She looked down and saw a perplexed Ser Gerhalos on the balcony getting smaller and smaller as they went farther up into the heavens.
Arvas took off after them.
Avi closed her eyes, already fearful of the flight.
"Don't be scared!" laughed Ser Damien.
"I'm not!" Avi laughed back. Eyes still shut.
"Then open your eyes, My Lady. Look! Look!"
Avi slowly opened her eyes. Luster Dragon flew them so high up they were over the clouds. She let out a mad laugh and held out her hands to touch the passing clouds.
"Hold on!" called Ser Damien. "We're going for a dive!"
Luster Dragon dove down. Avi held onto her guts, feeling them tingle from the fast descent.
"HA! HA!" laughed Ser Damien. "Weeeee!"
Avi then held out her arms. She looked to the east and saw Arvas flying in front of Luvia and the Twins (Termnnia's three moons).
A curtain of clouds suddenly dispersed and then Avi saw the glittering lights of Crestwood below. Then Ser Damien took off over the fields below and over the Great White Mountains. Ser Damien began to sing the song of Princess Atennya, a Norman woman, and the first to ever fly a dragon into battle during the Norman Conquest of Termnnia hundreds of years ago.
"You're shivering," he said, placing his cape around her.
"I'm not p-p-prepared for flying it seems."
Ser Damien cooed with sympathy and took her to forests below. Luster Dragon landed in a clearing. Arvas landed shortly after.
Ser Damien got a fire going to warm Avi who was chilled to the bone. Nevertheless, she had a wonderful experience flying on the back of a dragon. A feat not many in Termnnia could accomplish. He took out a kettle from his saddle to make Avi a cup of strong sweet tea from the water he got from the lake.
"When did you become a dragon rider, Ser Damien?" Avi asked. The knight's cloth-of-gold cape was wrapped over her shoulders to warm her as she sat by the fire. She grasped her purple-colored ceramic cup.
"I rode my first dragon when I was twelve," Ser Damien said sitting on a stone next to the campfire.
He tossed a few more branches into it then proceeded to put a pan over the fire to cook small sausages. Red embers from the fire danced into the night above them.
"But it was a lesser dragon called Gray Wing. The True Dragons left Termnnia a long time ago after the Church of Yeyu massacred everyone they could find. Not even the mighty Blue-Eyes White Dragon could survive the persecution of the Church. Only three remained, so the tales say, and they are with Seto Kaiba. So violent was their slaughter that Saafani herself even opened the doors back to her realm and called her children home. She could not bear to see her beloved dragons killed. Very few dragons stayed in Termnnia. My Luster Dragon, or Luster Dragon Number Two, as he's called in the game, is the last of his kind. I found his egg nestled in the emerald mines of my father's grounds when I was just a baby boy just learning how to walk. Since I was the one who found it, father let me keep it. We all thought it was a giant emerald in the shape of an egg, and then he hatched one day, to our surprise. I raised him ever since. Dragonriders are in my family tree, hence why our sigil is of a knight riding a dragon in a field of red. I vowed to ride so long as my mount would be my Luster Dragon. By that time, he had grown to be rideable."
"And you've raised him well," said Avi. "My compliments."
She looked at Luster Dragon and her Ancient Dragon, drinking by the lake. She couldn't help but feel tormented hearing Damien's tale about how the Church slaughtered dragons all over Termnnia because their faith regarded them as evil beings that needed to be eliminated. Her hate for the church grew after Damien told her the story.
"Damn the Church of Yeyu."
Ser Damien chuckled. "That is why I came to you, Lady Avi. You have done something no one else had done in over a thousand years, and that is call dragons back into Termnnia. There must be something about you Saafani finds worthy to allow you to summon her children. Perhaps, one day she will let them return. This is a slap in the face of the Church."
"I suppose so," said Avi.
"It is, I can assure you. Why else would they be hunting you down so violently?"
"Because, according to their scriptures, I am so evil sorceress who will destroy the world as prophesied by Yeyu."
"What utter nonsense," said Ser Damien. "The sooner Prince Yuri returns the sooner we can kick those radicals back to Balodrum where they belong."
"I thank you for taking me on a ride on your dragon," said Avi. "But I think it best we return to Crestwood and announce my new companionship with you before they start to worry."
"I am fearful of your Leogai knight," laughed Ser Damien. "I do not believe he likes me very much."
"I know he looks rather frightening," said Avi. "But once you get to know him, Ser Gerhalos can be rather sweet."
"Well then, let us be off," Ser Damien said.
Avi followed him back onto Luster Dragon and they took off back to Crestwood to rejoin the others.
End of Part 2